HC
Delhi High Court Orders Police Protection for Woman Lawyer Resisting Family Pressure to Marry
Nyayavat • Published • Updated • 3 min read
The Delhi High Court has treated an adult woman’s choice of residence and marriage as a matter of personal liberty requiring police protection where credible coercion is alleged.
Alleged family pressure
The petitioner, an advocate enrolled with the Bar Council of Delhi, alleged that her parents and relatives were threatening and coercing her after she refused to marry a person selected by them.
She said she had moved to Uttam Nagar to live separately but that interference and pressure continued.
Court's interim protection
Justice Saurabh Banerjee noted that the petitioner was a grown adult allegedly being subjected to force in matters of purely personal choice. The Court linked the protection request to her fundamental rights to life and liberty.
The SHO and concerned beat officers were directed to provide appropriate assistance and protection whenever required.
If residence changes
If the petitioner shifts to another police-station jurisdiction, she must inform the new SHO and provide her address within three days so protection can continue there.
Case: S v. State (Govt. NCT of Delhi) & Anr.
Bench: Justice Saurabh Banerjee
Source: Read source report
- Delhi High Court
- Article 21
- Woman Lawyer
- Forced Marriage
- Police Protection